Switch mechanism



J. M. BROWN SWITCH MECHANISM Fi-led Dec.

20, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet l WITNESS ES: 24 23 INVENTOR mew M. Brown, Jane D. Brown, fidm/m's/m fr/x ATTORNEY -i J. M. BROWN 3 0 SWITCH MECHANISM Filed Dec. 20, 1926 s Sheets-Sheet 2 l I James MEI-own, b M Jane QBran/n, ggmm/slrufrixf I V ATTORNEY Dec. 8, 1931. v v 11M, BROWN 1,835,590

SWITCH MECHANISM WITNESSES: I INVENTOR V S James/V. Brown, A W. M Jane 0. Bron/1v, Hdmm/s/ra/fi x.

z 5 a BY 1 TT'oRNEY J. M. BROWN 1,835,590

SWITCH MECHANISM Filed Dec. 20, 1926 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 l i /.7 g l llnlll lllnl Illll INVENTOR JamesM [iron n. by Jane D. Brown, fid/n/n/kfm fr/x.

ATTCBRNEY WITNESSES: 421M.

Patented Dec. 8, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JAMES M. BROWN, DECEASED, LATE OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, BY JANE D.

BROWN, ADMINISTRATRIX, OF

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR T WEST- INGHOUSE ELECTRIC &. MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF PENN- SYLVANIA SWITCH MECHANISM Application filed December 20, 1926. Serial No. 155,808.

The invention relates to switch mechanisms and particularly to switch mechanisms of the cell type.

One object of the invention is to provide a switch mechanism comprising a stationary or fixed switch structure having a plurality of bus bars and other live current-conducting parts disposed therein, and a relativelymovable switch structure having a circuit breaker, contact members and other wellknown switch-board apparatus disposed therein, that shall have a pair of disconnect ing switches for selectively connecting the circuit breaker to any bus bar.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch mechanism comprising a stationary or fixed switch structure having a plurality of bus bars disposed therein, and a relatively-movable switch structure having a circuit breaker and a pair of disconnecting switches for selectively connecting said circuit breaker to any bus bar, that shall have mechanism for interlocking the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches, whereby closing movement of either disconnecting switch, while the circuit breaker is closed, is prevented except when the other disconnecting switch is closed. By reason of this provision, the circuit breaker may safely be supplied with current from either of two feed conductors or buses, as desired, and the transfer of the connections from one conductor to the other may be made without interrupting the supply of current to the load.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch mechanism comprising a stationary or fixed switch structure having a plurality of bus bars disposed therein, and a relatively-movable switch structure having a circuit breaker, and a pair of disconnecting switches for selectively connecting said circuit breakers to any bus bar that shall have mechanism for interlocking the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches, whereby opening movement of one disconnecting switch is prevented while the circuit breaker is closed except when the other disconnecting switch is closed. This provision prevents complete disconnection of the load from a source of supply through the medium of a disconnect switch while the circuit breaker is closed.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch mechanism comprising two relatively movable structures and a pair of separately-operating disconnecting switches disposed in one of said structures, with an interlocking mechanism adapted, when in one position, to permit independent operation of the disconnecting switches in open or in closed position and when in another position to prevent opening movement of both switches at one time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a switch mechanism comprising a pair of relatively-movable switch structures, and a pair of separately-operated disconnecting switches disposed in one of the structures that shall have an interlocking member adapted, when in one position, to permit independent operation of the disconnecting switches to open or to closed position and, when in another position, to prevent the opening movement of either disconnecting switch as long as one is in an open position, and a circuit breaker having means for determining the position of the said interlocking member.

In the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1 is a front view, in elevation, of a switch mechanism embodying the invention a portion of the housing being broken away;

Fig. 2 is a side view, in elevation, of the switch mechanism embodying the invention;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the interlocking mechanism with the upper disconnecting switch open and the main circuit breaker closed;

Fig. 4 is a view, similar to Fig. 3, showing the lower disconnecting switch open.

Fig. 5 is a similar view showing both disconnecting switches and the main circuit breaker open, and

Fig. 6 is a similar view showing both disconnecting switches closed and the main circuit breaker open.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, in practicing the invention, there is provided a stationary or fixed switch cell 10 having a plurality of sets of bus bars 11 and 12' and cooperating contact members 13 and 14, respectively, disposed therein, a relatively movable switch structure 15 having a circuit breaker16 and a plurality of contact members 17 and 18 adapted to engage, and to co-operate with,

the corresponding contact members 13 and e 14 res ectivel a air of disconnectin 7 7 O switches 19and 21 for selectively connecting the circuit breaker 16 to either set of bus bars 11 and 12, and an interlocking mechanism 22 for interlocking the disconnecting switches 19 and 21 with the circuit breaker 16 so that both of the disconnecting switches cannot'be open at the same time, except when the circult breaker 16 is open, and that shall prevent the closing of the circuit breaker when both of the disconnecting swltches are open and that'also-shail prevent the separating or closing movements of the two structures, eX-

. stationary structure 10. The circuit breaker number of phases 16 is provided with sets of terminals 25 and 26, the number of which corresponds to the of the circuit to which the structure 10 is connected. The terminals 26 are connected to'a supply circuit (not shown) through the contact members 27 and 28. The j contact members 28 are mounted 1n the stationary structure 10, and thec'ontact niem-' 'bers 27 are mounted on the movable structure 15 and are adapted to engage and'to co- "operate with the contact members 28. The

contact members 27 are connected to the terminals 26 by conductors 29.

' The terminals 25 are connected by conductors 32, to hinged jaws 31 that are common to both of the disconnecting switches 19 and 21. The disconnecting switches 19 and 21 are connected to the interlocking mechanism' 22 by means of links 33 and 34, respectively.

Referring to Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6, the interlocking mechanism 22 comprises a pair of horizontally disposed shafts 3 5 and 36 that are vertically spaced apart. The shaft35 is provided with interlocking members 37 and 38 and an operating arm 39 for connecting it to the link 33. The operating'arm 39 secured to the shaft 35 at one end and is pivotally connected to the link 33, at

the other end, by means of apivot pin 41.

The shaft 36'is provided with interlocking cams 42 and 43 and an operating arm 44 for connecting the shaft 36 to the link 34. The operating arm 44 is rigidly secured to the shaft 36 at one end and pivotally connected to the link 34, at the other end, by means of a pivot pin 45. The interlocking members 37 and 38 are also rigidly mounted on the shaft 35 and are adapted to move with it, while the interlocking cams 42, 43 and connecting arm 44 are rigidly secured to the shaft 36 and are adapted to move with it.

Referring to Pg; 1, the shaft 35 is hori zontally disposedand rotatably mounted on the movable structure 15 by means of jour nals 46 and 47. Theshaft 35is provided with a gear wheel 48 which is adapted to co-' operate with a worm wheel 49 disposed on a shaft 50. "An operating shaft 51, having a wheel 52 mounted thereon, is disposed on the movable structure 15, by means of a bracket 53. The wheel 52 is. connected to the worm wheel 49 by means of a chain 54 and, as the operating shaft 51 is turned by any suitable handle, the chain, in turn, turns-the. worm wheel 49 that engages the gear'48 and oscillates the shaft 35 from one to another position. V

V The shaft 36 is provided with a wheelandchain connection that is similar to-that described'in connection with shaft 35, and it consists of a gear wheel 55 mounted at the left-hand end of the shaft 36 and a worm wheel 56 that engages the gear wheel 55. The worm wheel 56 is operated by a chain 57 as sociated with a wheel 58 mounted on an operating shaft 59, the operating shaft 59 being mountedon the left-hand side of the movable structure 15 by means of a bracket 61. The operating. shaft 59 may be turned by any suitable handle (not shown) and the wheel 58 cooperating with the chain 57, worm wheel 56 and gear wheel 55, oscillates theshaft 36 from one position to the other for opening or closing its co-operating switches.

Referring to Figs. 3 to 6, inclus ve, the interlocking'mechanism 22 further consists of a floating member 62 that is adapted to cooperate with the interlocking members 37 and 42 for permitting or preventing-the openshaft 36 for movement relative thereto. The

circuit breaker 16 is connected to .theinterlocking member 66 by means ofja rod 67.1 The rod '67 is provided with an end piece 68 for engaging a stud 69 on the interlocking'member 66. The" end piece 68 is provided with a slot 70 for permitting the opening or the closing movement of the circuit breaker 16, when one of the disconnecting switches 19 or 21 is closed independently of theinterlocking member 66.

The interlocking member 66 is biased in a counter-clockwise direction'by means of a spring 71. I

The stationary switch cell 10 is provided with notches 74 and for co-operation with the cams 38 and 43, respectively.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 5, the floating member 62 has two positions which are controlled by the position of the circuit breaker 16. \Vhen the circuit breaker 16 is closed, the floating member 62 is held in the position shown in Fig. 3 by the pressure of the interlocking member 66 against the lower face of the interlocking member 63. So long as the circuit breaker 16 is closed, the floating member 62 is prevented from moving to its other position, shown in Fig. 5, and the interlocking cams 37 and 42, cooperating with the floating member 62, prevent the opening movement of both of the disconnecting switches 19 and 21 at the same time.

Referring to Fig. 3, it will be seen that the disconnecting switch 19 is open and the disconnecting switch 21 is closed. The disconnecting switch 21 is prevented from opening by the pressure of the left-hand face of the interlocking member 42 against a corresponding face of the floating member 62 and the pressure of interlocking member 37 against the upper portion of the floating member 62. In order to open the disconnecting switch 21 while the circuit breaker 16 is closed, it is necessary to first close the disconnecting switch 19. This will, in turn, cause the interlocking member 37 to move in a counter-clockwise direction out of the path of the upper portion of the floating member 62. The shaft 36 may then be turned in a counter-clockwise direction to open the disconnecting switch 21. The interlocking cam 42, pressing against the corresponding face of the floating member 62, causes the floating member 62 to rotate in a clockwise direction about the pivot pin 64 to the position shown in Fig. 4.

Referring to Fig. 5, in order to 0 en both of the disconnecting switches 19 an 21, it is first necessary to open the circuit breaker 16, thereby permitting the floating member 62 to move to its second position, there shown. The floating member 62 is moved to its second position by the simultaneous pressure of the interlocking cams 37 and 42 against its co-opcrating faces, and, as the circuit breaker 16 is opened, the interlocking member 66 is permitted to move in a counterclockwise direction by the spring 71.

It will be noted from Fig. 5 that the circuit breaker 16 is prevented from closing, so long as the disconnecting switches 19 and 21 are both open, by the lower end of the interlocking member 63 preventing the interlocking cam 66 from moving in a clockwise direction. Therefore, in order to close the circuit breaker 16, it is first necessary to close one of the disconnecting switches 19 and 21, thereby permitting the floating member 62 to move to one of the positions shown in Figs.

3, 4 and 6. After closing one of the disconnecting switches 19 and 21, the interlocking cam 66 presses against the lower end of the interlocking member 63 and turns the latter in a clockwise direction about the pivot 65, thereby moving the floating member 62 to its inward position and permitting the interlocking cam 66 to turn 1n a clockwise direction.

The notches 74 and 75 are disposed in the framework of the left-hand wall of the stationary cell and are adapted to receive the interlocking members 38 and 43 when they are in their horizontal alined positions. The interlocking members 38 and 43 are rectangular in shape and are disposed on their corresponding shafts 35 and 36 to be in a horizontal position when their corresponding disconnecting switches 19 and 21, respectively, are in open positions and in a vertical position when their corresponding disconnecting switches are in closed positions. The notches 74- and 75 are of substantially the width of the interlocking members 38 and 43 and are adapted to permit their passage when tliey are in horizontal positions. As the interlocking members 38 and 43 are in horizontal positions only when their corresponding disconnecting switches 19 and 21 are in open-positions, the switch structures 10 and 15 are prevented from separation, except when=both of the disconnecting switches 19 and 21 are open. Since the circuit breaker 16 must be open in order to open both of the disconnecting switches, and, since the circuit breaker 16 is prevented from closing so long as both the disconnecting switches 19 and 21 are open, the switch structures 10 and 15 are prevented from separation except when the circuit breaker 16 and disconnecting switches 19 and 21 are all open.

It will be seen from the foregoing description, that a switch mechanism is provided comprising a stationary or fixed switch structure having bus bars disposed therein and a relatively movable structure comprising a circuit breaker, terminals therefor, a pair of disconnecting switches for selectively connecting the terminals to the bus bars, with an interlocking mechanism for preventing the opening of both disconnecting switches except when the circuit breaker is open, and for preventing the separation of the structures except when the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches are all open.

WVhile one embodiment of the invention is illstrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that certain changes, modifications, additions and omissions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

The invention claimed is:

1. Switch mechanism comprising a pair of bus bars, a circuit breaker having a terniinal, a pair of disconnecting switches for se- V 5 prevented except when the circuitbreaker is groups g V V a plurality ofbus bars of different phase,

tion with a pair of separately operated dis lectively connecting the said terminal to any bus bar,and means for interlockingthe circuit breaker and thedisconnecting switches whereby closing movement of one disconnecting switch while the circuit breaker is closed is prevented except when the other disconnecting switch is closed. V

2. Switch mechanism comprising a pair of bus bars, a circuit breaker having a terminal, a pair of disconnectingswitches for selectively connecting the said terminal to either bus bar, and means for interlocking the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches whereby opening movement of one disconnectingswitch is prevented while the circuit breaker is closed except when the other disconnecting switch is closed.

3; Switch mechanism comprising a pairot bus bars, a circuit breaker having a terminal, a pair of disconnecting switches for selectively and concurrently connecting the said terminal to either bus bar, and means for iiiterlocking the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches whereby simultaneous opening movement of the disconnecting switches V is prevented so longas the circuit breaker is closed.

4. Switch mechanismcomprising a pair of a bus bars, a circuit breaker having a terminal,

a pair of disconnectin switchesfor selective ly connecting the said terminal to eitherb'us bar and means for interlocking the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches whereby simultaneous closing movement of the disconnecting switches :is prevented except when the circuit breaker is open.

7 5. Switch mechanism comprising a. pair of bus bars, a circuit breaker having a terminal, a pair of disconnectingswitches for selectively connecting the-said terminal to either bus bar and means for interlocking'the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches whereby closing movement of either disconnecting switch whilethe other is open is Switch mechanism comprising a pair of groups of bus .bars, each group containing a plurality of bus bars of different phase, a poly-phase circuit'breaker having a terminal for each phase, apair of sets ofdisconnecting switches for. selectively connecting the terminals tov the bus bars of each group. means for simultaneously operating the said disconnecting switches of each set and means for interlocking the-circuit breaker'and the disconnecting switches whereby closing movement of one set of; v disconnecting switches while the circuit breaker is closed is prevented except vwhen the other set of disconnecting switches is closed. f V

7. Switch mechanism comprising a pair of of bus bars, each group containing a poly phase circuit breaker having 'a terminal for eachfphas'e, a pair of sets of disconnecting switches'for selectively connecting the terminals to the bus bars of each group, means for simultaneously operating the said disconnecting switches of each set and means interlocking the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches wheeby openin movement of one set of disconnecting switches is prevented while the circuit breaker is closed except when theotherset 01" disconnecting switches is closed.

8. Switch mechanism comprising a pair of groups of bus bars,.each group containing a plurality of busbars of different phase, a poly-phase circuit brea er nal for each phase, a pair of sets of disconnecting switchcs for selectively connecting the terminals to the bus bars of each group, means for simultaneously operating the said disconnecting switches of each set and means for interlocking the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches whereby simultaneous opening movement of both sets of disconnecting switch-es is prevented so long as the circuit breaker is closed. 2

9. Switch mechanism comprising a pair of groups of bus bars, each group containing a pluralityvo'l bus bars of different phase, a poly-phase circuit breaker having a terminal for each phase, a pair of sets of; disconnecting switches for selectively connecting the terminals to the bus bars of each group, means for simultaneously operating the said disconnecting switches for each set and means for interlocking the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches whereby simultaneous closing movement of both sets of disconnect-- ing vswitches is prevented exceptwhen the circuit breaker 18 open.

10. switchinechanisin comprising a pair of groups of bus bars, each group containing a. plurality oi bus bars or" diiierent phase, a poly-phase circuit breaker having a terminal for each phase,-a pair or" sets of disconnecting switches for selectively connecting theaterininals to the bus bars ofeach group, meanstor simultaneously operatingthe said disconnecting switches of each set and means interlockiiig the circuit breaker and the disconnecting switches whereby closing movement V of either set of disconnecting switches while the other set is open is prevented except when the circuit breaker is open.

11. In a switch mechanism, the combination with apair of separately operated dis connecting switches, or" an interlocking incinber adapted, whenin one position, to permit independent operation of the disconnecting switches in open or closed positions and,

when in another position, to prevent opening movement of either one of the disconnecting switches so long as the other one isin open position.

12. In a-switch mechanism, the combinahaving a terniiconnecting switches, of an interlocking member adapted, when in one position, to permit independent operation of the disconnecting switches in open or closed positions and, when in another position, to prevent opening movement of both switches at one time.

13. In a switch mechanism, the combination of a pair of separately operated disconnecting switches, an interlocking member adapted, when in one position, to permit independent operation of the disconnecting switches to open or closed positions and, when in another position, to prevent opening movement of either one of the disconnecting switches as long as the other one is in open position, and a circuit breaker, of a means controlled by the circuit breaker for determining the position of the said interlocking member.

14. Switch mechanism comprising a support, a pair of bus bars therein, a bodily movable circuit breaker having a pair of contact members for engaging the said bus bars, a terminal member for the circuit breaker, a pair of disconnecting switches carried by the circuit breaker for selectively connecting the terminal member to the said contact members and means for interlocking the disconnecting switches with the support whereby movement of the said circuit breaker and contact members into engagement with the bus bars is precluded so long as either disconnecting switch is in closed position.

15. Switch mechanism comprising a support, a pair of bus bars therein, a bodily movable circuit breaker having a pair of contact members for engaging the said bus bars, a terminal member for the circuit breaker, a pair of disconnecting switches carried by the circuit breaker for selectively connecting the terminal member to the said contact members and means for interlocking the disconnecting switches with the support whereby movement of the said circuit breaker and con.- tact members out of engagement with the bus bars is precluded so long as either disconnecting switch is in closed position.

16. Switch mechanism comprising a support, a pair of bus bars therein, a movable circuit breaker having a pair of contact members for engaging the said bus bars, a terminal member for the circuit breaker, a pair of disconnecting switches for selectively connecting the terminal member to said contact members, and an interlocking member for interlocking the support, the circuit breaker and the switches whereb the circuit breaker must be opened before the switches can be so operated that they are all in open position at one time and whereby the switches and circuit breaker cannot be disengaged from the support until all the switches are in open position.

17. Switch mechanism comprising a support, a pair of bus bars therein, a movable circuit breaker having a pair of contact members for engaging the said bus bars, a terminal member for the circuit breaker, a pair of disconnecting switch-es for selectively connecting the terminal member to said contact members, and an interlocking member for interlocking the support, the circuit breaker and the switches whereby the circuit breaker must be opened before the switches can be so operated that they are all in open position at one time and whereby the switches and circuit breaker cannot be moved into engagement with the support until all the switches are in open position.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 16th day of December.

JANE D. BROWN, Admin slimmer of the Estate of James M.

Brown, Deceased. 

